Shoppers of the Toyota Vios can choose from 10 variants of the car. That makes the Toyota sedan more diverse than ever to meet the wide-ranging needs of consumers, and surely among the reasons it the country's best-selling car.
Those willing to go against the subcompact sedan tide could look at the Nissan Almera. Launched in 2013, Nissan has boasted its small sedan's rear accommodations to be the best in class. But is that enough to usurp the Vios?
There are six variants of the Almera, which start at P657,000 for the base model with the 1.2-liter will, and finish at P933,000 for the N-Sport trim with a 1.5-liter motor.
Power and torque outputs of the 1.2 are 78hp and 106Nm, and the 1.5 gets 98hp and 134Nm. A five-speed manual is standard for the base 1.2, while it's an option in the rest of the range, next to the four-speed auto.
The 10 Vios variants are priced from P681,000 to P1.02 million. Cars lower in the range use a 1.3-liter mill, while the upper varieties, like the Vios GR-S, are powered by 1.5-liter engines.
A total of 106hp and 140Nm of torque comes from the 1.5-liter, while the 1.3-liter has 98hp and 123Nm. Both engines can be paired to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) or five-speed manual.
Nissan said the 1.2 MT Almera has a “dealer option” audio system, which reflects this variant's modesty.
Middle trims use a 6.75-inch touchscreen display audio system with Bluetooth, while a choice of leather seats interior trims, and an intelligent key with push engine start/stop are available up the range. It's also plugged to be the only car in its class with rear aircon vents.
For a sportier look, the N-Sport Almera wears a sharper front bumper, chrome front grille, side and rear skirts, a lip-type rear spoiler, and snazzier wheels.
Depending on the model of Vios, audio systems can come in the form of a 2DIN with CD/MP3 with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity, or a 6.75-inch display audio. The latter has the usual AM/FM, AUX, Bluetooth, USB, voice command, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
To up street cred, the Vios GR-S carries a GR (Gazoo Racing) emblem, an angrier-looking front bumper and grille, a spoiler, and black wheels.
For safety features, the Almera offers driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, and three-point ELR seatbelts. An immobilizer also comes standard for all trims.
All Vios models come with vehicle stability control, hill start assist, and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Side curtain airbags are a reassuring sight in the upper variants, too.
Nissan is also known for its reliability, as well as ice-cold aircon systems. It's likely the Almera will carry what the brand is known for.
However, those qualities may not be enough to dethrone the Vios in the sales charts. This car possesses a fresher design and engineering, as well as a tech-expo of an equipment list.
Photos from Nissan, Toyota
Also read:
2021 Nissan Almera: The 6 variants in detail
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2025. All Rights Reserved.
